Margaret 'Rusty' (Lemieux) Torstenson, 74

Margaret "Rusty" (Lemieux) Torstenson, 74, peacefully passed away on May 18, 2015, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving sons.

 She was born Dec. 5, 1940, to Monna and Herbert Lemieux. Rusty grew up and attended school in Malta.

Rusty met the love of her life, R.W. "Buck" Torstenson, while working at the Sports Club in Shelby. After a short courtship, Buck and Rusty moved to Kalispell, were married in 1967 and spent 48 wonderful years together.

Buck and Rusty were a true team in love and business. They both cherished life and were extremely hard workers. Once in Kalispell, they purchased and operated the Pastime Bar. Being the true businessman that Buck was, he saw an opportunity in the Hennessey Steak House when it became available. With Rusty’s love and support and a whole lot of hard work, this restaurant with its employees and patrons grew to what was known as Montana’s premier Convention Center and Restaurant, the Outlaw Inn. After many years at the Outlaw, Buck and Rusty sold their interest and bought Fenders, the restaurant where they worked together until they retired.

Along with being a successful businesswoman, Rusty was a loving mother, grandmother and friend to all. She was a wonderful cook, hostess and entertainer. Buck and Rusty enjoyed spending time on their house boat on beautiful Flathead Lake where guests always enjoyed the fine food and wonderful hospitality. Buck and Rusty were also avid travelers and enjoyed many adventurous trips around the world.

Rusty was a very special lady and truly cared about people and animals and would do anything to help others in need. Rusty was always very proud of her boys and family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Rusty was preceded in death by her loving husband, R.W. "Buck" Torstenson; and her parents, Monna and Herbert.

She is survived by her sons, Patrick Torstenson, Scott and Mike Bare; and her many wonderful grandchildren.

A viewing will be from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. Funeral services will follow at noon at the Church at Creston Lutheran, with a luncheon to follow.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at the Brendan House and Rusty’s fellow members of the Church at Creston Lutheran.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Flathead County Animal Shelter.

“Rusty you will always live in our hearts and every time we enjoy a cup of tea, a good meal and kindness we will think of you!”

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Rusty’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Rusty’s tribute wall.